Cape Town - Economic and political tension in the last decade could have led to a coup d'état in Zimbabwe, but the country’s armed forces remained professional and loyal, a top army official has told the media.

According to the Herald online, Air Force of Zimbabwe Commander Air Marshal Perrence Shiri said the role played by the armed forces during the last "few years" made a difference between peace and conflict.

"We have all seen how in other countries' military forces have caused destabilisation by either taking sides to a political conflict or taking power through military coups.

"To this end, I would like to commend the Air Force of Zimbabwe officers for their discipline and loyalty, which saw to it that economic challenges did not degenerate into a conflict."

Shiri praised the defence forces for being exemplary.

"I thank the officers for their resilience during these trying times that we have gone through. We have been exemplary," he said.

He said the operating environment for the air force had been quite challenging because the country was under sanctions.

Sanctions, he said, were meant to make the citizens suffer so that they revolt against the government.

"The illegal economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States of America, Britain and allies were obviously aimed at hurting the ordinary citizens, reducing our capabilities and ultimately destabilising Zimbabwe.

"The economic hardships were aimed at reducing the quality of life of all citizens so that they can turn against the government."

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